See
Karen LaMar-Clark at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. DW3300

Questions about degrees and certificate programs in
computer science and informatics:

What is Computer Science?

Computer science is the
study of the theoretical foundations of information and computation and
their implementation and application in computer systems. Computer
science has many sub-fields; some emphasize the computation of specific
results (such as computer graphics), while others (such as computational
complexity theory) relate to properties of computational problems. Still
others focus on the challenges in implementing computations. For
example, programming language theory studies approaches to describing
computations, while computer programming applies specific programming
languages to solve specific computational problems.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_science

Students who successfully
complete the certificate will have full command of a modern programming
language used in the information technology industry; be able to analyze
computational problems and create algorithms to solve them; be able to
design, write, debug, and document well modularized programs to
implement these algorithms; and be able to work comfortably with the
standard data structures and algorithms that are widely known and
employed by programming professionals.
http://www.cs.iusb.edu/certificate_computer_programming.html

What is the certificate in Advanced Computer
Programming?

In
addition to the skills described above in the Certificate in Computer
Programming, students who complete this advanced certificate will
receive training in computer architecture, large scale team programming,
systems analysis and design and one other advanced area of computer
science.
http://www.cs.iusb.edu/certificate_advanced_computer_programming.html

What is the certificate in Technology
Administration?

The goal of this
certificate is to provide the necessary technical expertise to those who
are already in management positions or those who are considering
management positions in the future. Candidates for this certificate
program must have a bachelors degree prior to enrolling in the program.
http://www.cs.iusb.edu/certificate_in_technology_for_adminstration.html

What is the certificate in Computer
Applications?

This certificate
consists of six courses (19 credits) and will provide the student with
the knowledge and understanding of computer hardware and software
components and how they operate, use of common office automation and
productivity application software, introduction to operating systems,
introduction to event driven programming and graphical user interfaces,
introduction to web based programming, introduction to computer networks
and the client/server computing model.
http://www.cs.iusb.edu/certificate_computer_applications.html

Can I receive a B.S. and A.S. degree in the same
semester? How about the same year?

No. No. The College of
Liberal arts and sciences has adopted a rule that prevents students from
getting two degrees in the same discipline in the same year.

Can I receive two certificates at the same time?

As long
as one certificate is not completely included in the second (i.e.
Certificate in Computer Programming and Certificate in Advance Computer
Programming).

Can I receive a certificate in Computer Programming or
Advanced Computer Programming during the same semester as a A.S. or B.S.
in computer science or informatics?

No. The A.S. or B.S. in
computer science include the requirements of these two certificates.

What is Informatics?

Informatics is the
understanding the impact of technology and information on people; the
development of new uses for technology; and the application of
information technology in the context of another field.
http://www.informatics.iusb.edu/

The
department's policy is to allow independent study classes to be offered
only in those cases when a regular course in the topic is not offered.
In addition, the instructor must agree to offer such a course.

What grade do I need to get in order to have a CS course
credited toward a CS major?

C- or better.

Do I really need to take the prerequisites before
enrolling in CS or Math courses?

Yes.
Failure to do so will usually result in the CS secretary notifying you
that your registration has been canceled. In some cases, you may lose
your tuition. So please make sure that you have passed (C- or better)
all the prerequisites for a course before you enroll in it.
http://www.cs.iusb.edu/courses.html

No.
These courses are designed for non-majors. If you take them they will
only count toward general elective credits. Also, many student take these courses to obtain their Certificate in Computer Applications

What is a test-out option and how do I test out of a
class?

The test out option
allows you to receive credit for a course by taking a test .

What classes can I test out of? At this point only A106 and C101 have
test-out options.

Do I get credit for the course?
Yes

Do I get a grade for the course if I pass the
test?
Yes, you will get a passing grade
if you pass the test. However, if you perform excellent in the test,
you will get an "A" put on your transcript.

Advising questions:

Why do I need a computer science or
informatics advisor?

Having
an advisor will save you both TIME and Money. You become aware of
the new requirements, changes in the curriculum, policy changes,
prerequisite changes, etc.

If you are the type of person who would perform
surgery on yourself? Then you probably don't need an advisor!
You may need other help however!

The
term web master is loosely defined. However, one can usually acquire the
knowledge and skills necessary to become a web master by doing the
following: reading some books about this topic, learn some web authoring
tools such as MS Front Page, learn about programming languages
such as HTML, PHP, ASP, and Java scripts, learn about visual programming
languages, learn about data modeling and database systems, learn about
web servers such as Apache, and print a business card that tells
everyone you are web master! Consider taking the A340 Web
Programming course.

How do I become a Network
Administrator?

Take a networking course
which covers the basic concepts of computer networks. This should give
you a good idea of the hardware, software, protocols, topologies, media,
and other basic information. In addition such a course usually touches
on security, and privacy issues. After completing such a course, you
need more specific training on a particular network environment. For
example if you are thinking about NT network administration, then you
need to study the specifics of NT and its networking facilities.
Usually, you can find good reading material in your local bookstore.
Some of you may also want to pursue more commercial certifications such
as Microsoft, etc.

How do I
become a System Analyst?

You can
learn about this after you take the Systems Analysis and Design (C308)
course. Often times, you should following this with a course in
Database Systems (C442) and a course in Software Engineering (P565)

How do I become a game
designer?

Start by taking the
Computer Graphics (B481) course, then follow that with a course in Game
Programming and Design (B583).

How do I
become a Database Administrator?

Often
times, student start by taking a course in Database Systems
(C442), followed by some work experience as a DBA. You can also
take commercial classes that focus on an specific database package such
as ORACLE, MS-SQL or MY-SQL.

How do I become a Cyber
Security professional?

Start by taking the C490
Introduction to Computer Security course.

Questions about graduate school:

What should I do to prepare for graduate studies in Computer Science?

1)
Maintain a high GPA (3.5+)2) Tell your CS advisor about your plans3) Prepare to take the GRE4) Participate in the student chapter of the ACM
at IUSB.

What is the MS in Management of Information Technology?

The MS-MIT degree is one of the best
professional career investments for area managers. It will provide a
springboard for successful management of current and future complex
information technologies. This degree will significantly enhance the
operations management capabilities of our graduates and their
organizations.
http://www.iusb.edu/~buse/grad/msmit.shtml

As a high school student what should I do to prepare for
college and pursue a CS degree?

Here
are some suggested courses to take:1) English (Composition, technical writing)2) Math (Algebra, Trig, Pre-calc and Calculus.)3) Foreign Languages (3 Years in a given language
with a C or better grade)4) Computer classes (programming, applications,
etc.)http://www.cs.iusb.edu/applied_mcs.html

General Questions:

What is the
ACM and how do I join the IUSB Student Chapter of the ACM?

Every year the computer
science faculty has the pleasure of selecting the excellence award
winners in our program. The criteria for selection of award winners is
primarily based on academic achievement, however, it is not the only
criteria. Our award winners are typically students with junior or
senior standing with excellent computer science as well as overall
academic achievements. During their studies at IUSB, much has been
expected of these students, and they have been consistent in their
efforts to excel.
http://www.cs.iusb.edu/people/excellence_award_winners.html

What is an FX and do I FX a course?

If you
receive an "F" in a course, you may "FX" that grade if you take the
course and receive a better grade. The FX will not count in the
calculation of your GPA.In order to change your grade from F to FX you
must file a Petition to Apply Indiana University FX Policy.